A hundred and sixty five years ago, in an old Spanish mission torn with strife,
A hundred and eighty-five men or so, for Texas laid down their life.
Now the question has long remained, why the Alamo still stood.
Why Colonel Travis and Bowie refrained, and did General Houston know they would?
"Gone to Texas" Crockett wrote his goodbye, with his "Betsy" strapped to his side.
Liberty and Independence he would cry, to the Alamo he did ride.
Men came from many nations, doctors, lawyers, blacksmiths too.
Men from Gonzales took up their stations, but their numbers were too few.
No uniforms did they wear, fought cold and hunger with merely a prayer.
Travis wrote letters with such flair, declaring "liberty or death" in God's care.
Smith and Bonham dispatched through the night,sent with messages of their plight.
Colonel Fannin must soon come to fight, for the enemy was now in sight.
While the "Deguello" played in the distance, Travis still refused defeat,
Knowing full well there would be no assistance, his men chose not to retreat.
Santa Anna won the battle that day, but Houston vowed they would pay.
"Remember the Alamo", Texans still say-and where our heroes ashes lay!
This is strictly from a Texan's viewpoint, with love!
Want to review or comment on this poem?
Need a FREE Reader Membership?
Reviews of "Where Our Heroes Ashes Lay(Enter in poetry contest, please)"
Reviewed by mike cruz (Reader)
Reviewed on April 12, 2007
When I was a boy the battle of the Alamo was the source of my first childhood heroes,it helped that "Davy Crockett" was a big hit for Disney in the 50's in song and on screen. I used to love just to pronounce the names...Davy Crockett, Jim Bowie, William Travis, etc. As I grew up I realized I was a Mexican and Texas belonged first to the the Apaches and Comanches then to Spain then to Mexico, hence the Texan revolt for 'independence' from Mexico, the Texans (American settlers) having already attacked and routed the Mexicans in 1835 during the Texas Revolution. Anyway I don't consider General Santa Ana or his forces my heroes, being of the opinion that all territorial wars of agression (militant colonization) is wrong from a Christian viewpoint. (I'm Jehovah's Witness). Actually, being an American by birth and a Mexican by descent is no longer an issue with me; I love all races equally as being descendants of Adam and then through Noah's three sons. In closing, being a poet myself, from a poetic standpoint I really enjoyed your poem and I think the guts and glory of that bloody day might be found on both sides of the battle. At any rate from being a Mexican chapel (built in 1744) to a converted military fortress by the Texans, I think we should all remember the Alamo of 1836 for what it's worth, if only that it rallied the Americans to slaughter the Mexicans six weeks later at San Jacinto (General Santa Ana survived), and finally annex Texas to the Union in 1845 (which precipitated the Mexican War), yes, by the blood of the so-called defenders and martyrs of the Alamo. On a final note (as you already may know), "alamo" is the Spanish word for cottonwood. Thank you for your poem and your time.
--Mike Cruz, Santa Ana, CA
Yes, it is the poets duty to pay testament in regard to great acts, recognised and less than. You have a good ode here, I enjoyed the read.
Tyler Joseph Wiseman
Filling her tasks as a poet - she brings history to culture and emotion poemized on the page of knowledge. "Where Our Heroes Ashes Lay" in the "Alamo" inspired the Author.
I Salute you Poet Rita Hestand with the accolades of my heart.
My gratitude and respect.
Andre Emmanuel Bendavi ben-YEHU
Reviewed by Clayton Umbach (Reader)
Reviewed on February 14, 2003
Very touching, Rita. I have been a longtime Alamo historian and very much enjoyed your effort (I also lived in Corpus seven years as a Navy flight instructor). Enjoy the Texas Riviera.
Reviewed by Elizabeth Taylor (Reader)
Reviewed on February 9, 2003
Enjoyed it Rita, and how I miss Texas. Take a spin around the River Walk for me.
~Elizabeth
I have visited the Alamo and marveled at it's tinyness in size and its hugeness in history... this story is marvelous and the words ring with true heroism Sandi
This book explores how U.S. presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy failed to stand up to Soviet aggression during the early Cold War—despite America's overwhelming nuclear advantage.
Share
Print
Save
Follow
--Mike Cruz, Santa Ana, CA
Excellent write! ty
Vesna .)
Tyler Joseph Wiseman
I Salute you Poet Rita Hestand with the accolades of my heart.
My gratitude and respect.
Andre Emmanuel Bendavi ben-YEHU
~Elizabeth